I have a big soft spot for Pune restaurants. When I researched and wrote Pune’s first ever restaurant guide more than 15 years ago, I noticed a certain homespun charm and the usage of fresh ingredients here. Ofcourse, one cannot generalize, but I was delighted when Pune’s Imrun Sethi’s Terttulia opened in Dadar, mid July. That, here, I met two friends who have known each other for decades further added to the charm. Just having flown in with Kamal Morarka, her jetsetting industrialist and politician husband, Bharati, grandmother of five, makes time for Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, classical music, handicrafts and ofcourse gourmet food. “Bharati’s dinners are always fabulously organised with exquisite food and personal artistic touches ” says her lively warm friend Nina Vasa. Rooted in tradition yet modern, charmingly outspoken Bharati has us riveted. We enjoy the food, cocktails and Terttulia (Spanish for social gathering)

It is chef Parag Naik’s unerringly roasted chicken that comes up tops in the non-veg options. The Gooey chocolate cake lives up to it’s name. Cocktail lovers make a beeline for the Ginger pear martini, Melon Sangria, Terttulia special Sunday sangria. Orange basil mojito is a must try.

MINUS POINTS

Sadly the red snapper was not available. The Rawas was dry and lacked flavor. Ditto for the pasta and the Cremebrulee cheesecake.

MY POINT

Happy that this stretch of Dadar has got a restaurant like Terttulia. Charming and open through the day Terttulia ‘s well-stocked bar area whips up a buzz at night. The standard European here aims to comfort and not dazzle. Comforting prices too.

Its cold and sunny here in Dubai ! And boy! Is it teeming with restaurants, gourmets, foodbloggers, foodwriters. instagrammers, tweeters (is that what we are called?). The high-flying, media-baroness now sought after brand consultant Rita K Mehta, loves the cutting edge “Tresind”. Her gorgeous daughter Faarah, director of an elective educational academy and media house is also busy setting up her granpa (the legendary Russy Karanjia’s) foundation. They update me on all that’s rocking here as we dine at the brand new, super-glam Cle. I also meet up with Dubai’s leading bloggers @secretsquirrelfood, @thehedonista @ishitaunblogged they guide me through the gastronomique maze of Dubai. Michelin starred chefs restaurants rub shoulders with cheap and cheerful mall eateries. Want more info? Please mail rashmiudaysingh2015@gmail.com, instagram twitter @rashmiudaysingh